Nancy Jean Brodie

Faith, family, and friendship were the pillars of Nancy’s beautiful life — and she lived every day rooted in those values, with a warm smile, a kind heart, and an unmatched love for those around her.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 25, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Church in Correctionville, Iowa with lunch to follow.  Visitation with the family will be from 9:30 A.M. until service time.  Private burial will be at Good Hope Cemetery in rural Correctionville.  

Born February 19, 1949, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Frank and Connie (Paulsen) Hoppe of Correctionville, Nancy was baptized and confirmed at St.John’s Lutheran Church in Cushing, Iowa. She attended Summit #2 County School through 7th grade and graduated from Eastwood Community School in 1967, where she was active in choir, speech, 4-H, and the National Honor Society.

She married Steven Brodie and was blessed with two sons, Bradley Douglas and Ryan John. Though their paths later parted, she remained devoted to her sons.

In 1970, she proudly graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing, kicking off a 47-year career devoted to caring for others. She worked in critical care, PACU, and Same Day Surgery — all at St. Luke’s — and remained fiercely loyal to her calling and community. Nancy was also the on-call nurse for extended family, once reminding her niece that only taking a small dose of ibuprofen was “like…in a river, it wasn’t going to matter”. She lived her life ready to help — even when no one expected it. Once, while picking up her sons from the swimming pool, her instincts kicked in and she quickly jumped into action to save someone’s life. It was just another day for her — a quiet act of heroism that reflected her lifelong dedication to caring for others, on and off the clock. Even after retirement, she continued her caregiving spirit, working part-time for Visiting Angels and Home Instead, until arthritis finally told her it was time to rest.

Nancy was a proud member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Morningside, where her faith flourished. Her kind and compassionate soul made her a magnet for friendship, and through groups like Compassionate Friends and her beloved “Friday Night Lights,” she found joy, laughter, and deep connection.

She was a loyal sports fan for any sports her boys or grandchildren were involved in, and nothing lit her up more than a family gathering, a table full of food (including her famous potato salad, scotcheroos, and so many other family favorites) a house full of laughter, and time spent with those she loved most. Time with her grandchildren was her greatest joy. Whether it was cheering them on, sharing stories, or simply sitting together, those moments meant everything to her. And that love was returned fully — they stood by her with the same loyalty and care she had shown them, right up to her final days. Those who knew her best knew of her love of animals including Sassy, Chris Jean, Abbey, Lexi, and Bo — always had a special place in her heart.

Nancy lived with a full heart, open arms, and a sense of humor and her delightful spaciness that kept us smiling even in tough times. She cared deeply, gave generously, and loved endlessly.Her legacy lives on in every life she touched — and in the countless people she comforted, cared for, and loved so well.

She is survived by her son Ryan Brodie and grandchildren: Tyler John (Beth) Brodie and their children, Paxton and Quinn; Brooke Marie (Sam) Brodie; and Sidney Ann (Hunter) Hanner and their children, Walker and Wells. Also cherishing her memory are her siblings: Gary (Kathy) Hoppe, Jane (the late Kim) Dreyer, and John (Missy) Hoppe; and nieces and nephews Erin, Nathan, Kathryn, Marissa, Heidi, Colin, Jacqueline, and Catelyn — all of whom she showered with love. She is also survived by her first friends, her beloved cousins, who were not only family but life long friends.

She is reunited in peace with her beloved son Bradley, her parents Frank and Connie Hoppe, sisters-in-law Patricia Hoppe, Margaret Kroepel, Mary Aarons, great-niece Psalm, brother-in-law Kim, and so many other loved ones and friends.

Memorials may be directed towards the family for future use to the Mitchell House or the Siouxland Humane Society.